Badger Meter Positive Displacement - Manual (Page 9)

9
maintaining a flush procedure which keeps the meter internals
clean and wet is critical to optimum performance and minimum
maintenance. Cleaning cycles will vary due to differences in
coatings, equipment and cleaning fluids used. Some testing may
be prudent to determine the most efficient method. Cleaning
cycles using DI water only may require more flushing than those
using additives due to the superior cutting ability of solvents. If
bells or small orifices restrict adequate purge through the meter,
an auxiliary dump valve of ¼" or Ǫ" may be installed after the
meter to maximize through flow.
Full flow meter breakdown instructions are included in the
Maintenance Guide. When a meter is removed from the line
during maintenance, paint should not be allowed to dry inside.
The internals should be immediately cleaned, lubricated and the
fluid ports capped. Clean the carbide surfaces at the point where
the gear rotates on the shaft. Paint build-up here may occur as a
thin smear and be difficult to see, but will cause friction and
accelerate additional paint build-up later when the gears are
reinstalled. Spin the gears by hand to verify free and easy
rotation of gear on shaft and apply a suitable lubrication fluid
before closing the meter. After tightening the bolts, a short squirt
of shop air will briefly spin the gears which should be easily
audible. When reinstalling the sensor, turn it in lightly only to a
hand tight torque. Do not use a wrench on the pick-up as over
tightening may cause damage.
In the event of plugging, the meter will pass a reduced volume of
fluid with an increased back pressure and no frequency output.
Care during installation is important as this is the most likely time
that contaminants such as tape or metal shavings can enter the
meter. Filters should be installed in the line to prevent oversize
particles from entering the flow meter.
In the event the meter needs to be returned to the factory for
further evaluation, flush the meter in place and cap the ports.